1. Explore our courses

Look over the different learning modules on human rights we have available.

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2. Enrol in a course

Enrol in the human rights module you would like to complete.

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3. Complete the course

Complete the learning module. Each module will take about an hour to complete.

Learn about Human Rights online

The Human Rights Commission has developed online education programmes Human Rights and You - Ō Tika Tangata and Te Mana I Waitangi to help New Zealanders develop their understanding of what human rights are and what they mean.The programmes have framed human rights in a uniquely Kiwi context – discussing the issues and stories that have framed the development of human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand. The programmes are highly suitable for both the general public and high school years 9, 10 and 11.

Human Rights and You

Learning for human rights involves building your ability to enjoy and exercise your own rights and to respect and uphold the rights of others. It encourages people to act in response to human rights violations and teaches them about the tools that could be used in that action. Human rights education stimulates and engages learners, with the aim of transforming people’s lives, the environment, the community and the broader society. Human Rights Education: A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions.

Human Rights Education is essential

The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Article 26 provides that: education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.

What are people saying

Really thought the design was fantastic. The short video clips were the right length. Any longer and it would be hard to keep the engagement for some. Not too content heavy right through. Quiz/test is quite well done. Like there was time to reflect and contribute own personal stories and create own personal timelines as well (the YOU).

Rohan Jaduram

Auckland, NZ

I really like the mix media, using videos, voice files, and text, very dynamic. I would recommend this course to colleagues, and friends. I think it is clear enough for many different levels of education, and dynamic enough for different age groups.

Gabriela Mercado

Auckland, NZ

I really liked the site / content / look and feel. The variety of mediums and activities kept it engaging and managed to convey quite complex areas in surprising depth over a short period of time... mahi pai !

Chloe Harwood

Waiheke Island, NZ

Definitely a novel approach. I thought it was informative, entertaining and I liked how it was interactive.

Kathy Gardam

Waiheke Island, NZ

A well-constructed course. I could easily imagine it being used throughout NZ secondary schools.

Courses

This module introduces you to human rights, how they have developed over time, and how they relate to your life and the lives of others. Human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. In order for us to be able to contribute to a free, just and peaceful society, we need to know what human rights are and why they are important.

Get to know human rights, how they have developed over time, and how they relate to your life and the lives of others.

Human rights do not occur on their own. They include rights and responsibilities and determine how human beings live in society. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights says "Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of [their] personality is possible."

Understand human rights and responsibilities that belong to you, to others and to the government.

Explore the human rights dimension of Treaty of Waitangi 1840, the first of the three human rights pillars in New Zealand:

New Zealand has made a commitment to comply with international human rights standards and has strengthened this commitment by developing mechanisms that set out human rights standards in law.

The Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand's founding human rights document. This module introduces you to the Treaty of Waitangi and illustrates how the Treaty links with important human rights concepts and legislation.

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate a beginning knowledge of the human rights dimensions of the Treaty of Waitangi

New Zealand has made a commitment to comply with international human rights standards and has strengthened this commitment by developing mechanisms that set out many human rights standards in law. Understandthe Bill of Rights Act 1990, the second of the three human rights pillars in New Zealand.

New Zealand was one of the founding members of the United Nations. Led by Prime Minister Peter Fraser, we also contributed to drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Bill of Rights Act in 1990 sets out many rights and freedoms that apply to people, companies and organisations. It places a limit on the actions of those in Government and other bodies performing a public function so as those rights are protected.

New Zealand has made a commitment to comply with international human rights standards and has strengthened this commitment by developing mechanisms that set out human rights standards in law. Discover the Human Rights Act 1993, the third of the three human rights pillars in New Zealand.

New Zealand was one of the founding members of the United Nations and played a key role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Human Rights Act was introduced in 1993 with a focus on protecting all in New Zealandagainst unlawful discrimination; and reinforces the fundamental rights and freedoms that everyone is entitled to.

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrates knowledge of the Human Rights Act

Understand the importance of the Human Rights Act

Can apply Human Rights Act concepts in your own life

Requirements:

Time: 70 minsSound and Video: Both Completion: Finish all exercises and review all content. Limited attempts. Feedback is provided.Recommended prior learning: The Bill of Rights Act 1990 Recommended post learning: The International Human Rights System

After World War II, it was internationally agreed to identify the rights of all the world’s peoples and to find ways to ensure that individual governments respected these rights. Following the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, many other human rights treaties, and mechanisms for ensuring that governments meet their human rights obligations, have developed.

This module introduces you to the international human rights system and how you can engage with it in order to improve human rights in New Zealand.

Learning Objectives:

Know the significant international human rights treaties ratified by New Zealand.

Understand the importance of the international human rights system to human rights in New Zealand.

Have a beginning understanding about how to engage with the international human rights system.

This module introduces concepts of identity and belonging to foster an inclusive view of the Treaty of Waitangi as belonging to and being relevant to all New Zealanders, and to deepen understanding of the human rights dimensions of the Treaty.

Human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. In order for us to be able to contribute to a free, just and peaceful society, we need to know what human rights are and why they are important.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Human Rights and You courses are about 75 minutes each, the Te Mana I Waitangi courses are between 35-45 minutes each.

The e-learning course are courses like any other, so if you are intending to go through an entire course set aside time to work on it and make sure that you are not disturbed. Take breaks. Most people tend to become tired and unfocused after around 20 minutes. As the courses are longer than 20 minutes, we recommend that you break it down into smaller chunks. Take a break then come back to it.

You can access our Human Rights courses on your computer, mobile or tablets. The courses have video and animations with sound, so make sure that you are able to play video and listen to sound when studying.

When you complete a module you earn a Human Rights Badge. When you have completed all modules in a programme, you can obtain a certificate of programme completion. Human Rights Certificates are generated as personalised PDF certificates for you to download.

You must complete the entire programme to receive a certificate. The Human Rights Certificates are recognition of learning from the Human Rights Commission of New Zealand.

Human Rights and You - Ō Tika Tangata: helps New Zealanders develop their understanding of what human rights are and what they mean.

The programme has framed human rights in a uniquely Kiwi context – discussing the issues and stories that have framed the development of human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand – and complements the work the Commission undertakes, increasing our public reach and impact.